Thursday, December 28, 2006

This is it, rat racers...the LAST post of 2006. I'm left with a bittersweet feeling...Sad when I reflect on the year being over already...yet glad to move on to what next year has in store. First off, I must thank each one of you...for tuning in to a Blog in the Life of SueVee when you've been bored at work, needed a break from the kids, or were just plain interested in reading about my misadventures. =) It has been a crazy year...There have been lots of struggles and disappointments...but there's also been a lot of good times too.

10. The death of Mr. John Rex...No one could have ever asked to work with a sweeter more considerate man. I feel his loss daily in this place. He's gone, but will never be forgotten!

9. My Thanksgiving trip to sunny, Florida. It was the best Thanksgiving in the history of Thanksgivings...So nice to have my BFs and family all at one dinner table.8. PCNAK 2006. I haven't been to a conference in over 5 years, but I decided to come out of retirement for one last time. I'm not saying I actually had fun at the conference itself. It was the drive there (getting lost with Shrekky), the hotel stay with SunuA, the Friends Fun Night that never happened, watching Shrek make a fool out of herself speaking Malayalam, and toting around Beacons and bananas for 2 days.7. The victorious win of Team Echad. The 06 Church picnic was the funnest ever. It was a battle between friends, families, and spouses. It got ugly, but hey we are all extremely determined individuals. Let's just say...it's so obvious that the best and brightest team won!6. The Chacko's Scary Story...the book that Billy and I compiled for Micahji. I think it's the most creative thing both of us has done in 2006. 5. Mousse introducing herself to the old ladies at the ladies prayer meeting4. Being Miss Ruby's Wedding Planner. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for trusting me enough to give me a chance. I hope I won't let you down! 1 more week!!!3. The much anticipated births of Micah and Landon. God blessed both of my dear friends with two beautiful, baby boys. 2. Moving into my own humble abode... 1. Finding a brown Howie Mandell. I'm just hoping I can somehow nab this guy in 07. ;)God has taught me so much this year. Mainly, that He never gives you more than you can handle. I've had my share of really bad times and really wonderful times. And I thank the Lord for constantly teaching me to trust Him...because He knows the plans He has for me...plans for good and not evil...for a future and a hope! I hope all of you have a chance to reflect and count your blessings. Even if things seem really bleak in this moment, just let go and let God...and I promise that there will be better times ahead. Happy New Year to all of you...

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

I had a battle with my new smoothie maker that I brought home from Dirty Santa night at SunuA's. It took me nearly 20 mi nutes to figure out how to open the lid. After finally getting it open, I determined that I'm not very bright. Anyway, I made a peach smoothie and had the remains for breakfast this morning. It was good, however far from great. I have to practice more...I plan to perfect the art of smoothie making.

In other news, Billy wrote a new blog post. Keep in mind while you're reading it that it's a total exaggeration of the truth. However, I will admit that once again he came to my rescue...and he is due props for dropping everything (but not Landon) to come to my aid...which is the ONLY reason why I am being a good sport about his latest and greatest attempt to make me look like an idiot.

Two more days for this blasted week to be over and then I only have ONE week left before Ruby's wedding AND my India trip!!

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Christmas Eve at Sunu's...It was really nice to see this lovely lady in pink. Sangita and her hubby Romie used to be familiar faces on my fotolog (once upon a time), but since their move to Tulsa, they've kinda been MIA for the past two years. It was awesome to see them again on Christmas Eve, talk, hang out, and LAUGH...just like the old days. Sangu's carrying a very special package along with her these days...They're going to be the proud parents of TWINS in a few months!!

I'm cheezin extra hard because Sheryl was cracking me up with her usual antics.

Friday, December 22, 2006

Receiving Christmas gifts is always interesting. It's when you discover how much someone really knows you...and how much they listen to your daily banter about what you need/want . Last night was our church youth Christmas Party. I'd post pictures, but of course, I forgot that dreaded memory card!! So, hopefully SunuA will send me a few to work with later. We had a secret Santa gift exchange. It was really rather interesting to see what gifts people came up with for each other. I thought I'd see a lot of personality-neutral gifts, but all of them seemed as if a lot of thought was put into it. That was interesting to me because not all of us know each other on extremely close levels, but still every one made an effort to get thoughtful gifts. Each of us opened our presents and then had to guess who the giver was. I got mine right on the first shot. All I needed to see was the sparkle on the shirts, and I knew it was from my girl, Finz. Apparently, she paid attention to my dilemma about not having clothes for India. ;)

After the party, I had a surprise visit from Mr. Indus, himself. He brought an extremely thoughtful Christmas/housewarming gift. Coasters. Now, you might wonder why coasters impressed me so much. Well, these coasters were specially designed by him for me!!! He too paid attention to my blog...carefully noted my color scheme and theme for my kitchen and then designed awesome coasters that say "welcome to cafe Sue"...Each coaster has special pictures I've posted on my blog as well!! I'll have to edit this post with pictures of it at a later date to show them off!

Then there was a very special journal I received in the mail the other day from one sweet cookiemonster....who knew, I'd need something to record my thoughts in during my trip to India. And apparently my sister listens to my rants about needing a side table for the apartment because she sent me a gift card to my most favorite Pier One. And then there's the dearest, sweetest Ruby who's last but not the least...I think her gift was more of a divine intervention...because she's definitely my angel here on earth. ;)

I've received more special gifts from more special people...actually, i'm just a blessed girl to have such thoughtful people in my life...so much so, that gifts are completely unecessary...but definitely appreciated! ;)

Excuse me while I throw all political correctedness out the window for a moment and say....MERRY CHRISTMAS to all of you rat racers. May, Jesus...who is THE reason for this season...continue to bless your lives with His grace. I pray that love that God shared with us by bringing His own son into the world to bear our sins...will shine in your lives for others to see that they may know the meaning of real joy and peace!

Thursday, December 21, 2006

A recent news report about someone who committed an unthinkable crime has gotten me thinking about the dual nature that exists in people. Usually when you hear about people plotting murder, living "secret" lives, having seedy affairs, etc, etc...it's a plot of a crazy movie on Lifetime. But here lately, I keep hearing about things like this affecting people I know. It just makes me wonder...WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON IN THIS WORLD?!? More importantly...who can you REALLY trust?

For the most part, we all have secrets in our lives. There are thoughts, actions, urges, feelings, etc, etc...that we don't share with anyone else. In a society where we are urged to look/seem/act perfect, there's very little room for mistakes/weaknesses/differences to ruin that perfect image that we struggle to achieve/maintain. But at what point does that secret side take hold of a person...consume a person...and drag them over to the dark side? At what point does it seem normal or okay to pound your fist into someone's flesh? plot to hurt someone? engage in a relationship with someone who is not your spouse? hand over money for a substance that you know is slowly killing you? At what point does that secret take over one's life so much that the risk of repercussions doesn't even seem like reality? I guess the real question is...How long after you fool everyone else do you finally end up fooling yourself?

We can judge the pastor of the 1200 member church who recently was "outted" for his homosexual affair...we can judge the man across the street with the huge house and the nice car that pummels his wife on a nightly basis...and we can judge the lady who makes secret phone calls to the man who she is having an emotional affair with... we can say we'd never be like them...that we'd never do those things...that it's beyond us...that we are above that... but are we? when seemingly good people do bad things...it shakes you to the core and just makes you wonder why and how people can lead such double lives...

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Last Saturday, OPYF performed this year's play "Hadassah." Is it just me or do these kids get more and more amazing each year? As Hrithik Roshan would say, "I give it 3 thumbs up!" Congrats to the cast and crew for once again...out doing themselves.

The script, set, props, costumes, make-up, and acting were all FANTASTIC. I think the only gripe I have was that the mic system had a few glitches. But hey...it's not Broadway! Of course, my favorite part was watching Sheryl make a fool of herself. That's always fun. But more importantly, Hadassah shared an encouraging message, which was...we serve a God who can restore hope to the most hopeless situations. That just so happened to be my theme for 2006. What a coinky-dink.

Kudos to this year's cast and crew...you did an OUTSTANDING job. Pictures...as promised...The black boo got a role playing herself...an African princess! ;)

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

I had so much to post yesterday, but I was waiting on SunuA to send me some pictures from her camera. Now that she has sent me hers, I have discovered that I left my memory card and card reader at home, so I can't post my pictures. I guess you guys will just have to wait till tomorrow to see Sheryl in her African garb for her role in the play. =(

Until then, here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure...

Last week Sunu and I went to the Hornet's basketball game. For the first time, it felt like OKC was actually a progressive city with actual entertainment. Downtown was bustling and there was actually excitement in the air. I'm not a sports buff, but this game was downright fun. It helped that we scored some tickets for excellent seats...courtesy the BC.the honey bees doing their thang...

This weekend we put up Sunu A's Christmas tree. We found some beautiful ornaments at Hobby Lobby (my all time favorite store)...I suggested we use a "different" color...and I personally think that it turned out beautifully...how about you?

a close up of the gorgeous colors...

Last, but certainly not least...is this guy not a dead ringer for Howie Mandel? Hmm...I wonder if there's any chance of meeting up with him in India!! ;) Could I be so lucky??

Friday, December 15, 2006

It's Friday! The day I've been waiting for the past four days. It's time for yet another fun-filled, busy weekend. A few months ago, my favorite kid on the planet asked me to "help" write another play for the youth this year. As much as I love those kids, I refused. I pretty much figured "help" meant "write the whole thing." Instead, I gave him an idea for a play, and told him to run with the idea. This year, the OKC youth will be putting on a play on the life of Esther, who happens to be my most favored Bible character...I call her "the come back kid." Anyway, I hear the black boo has a very fitting role in the production. She will be an African queen. Don't worry...pictures will be taken.

I'm also hosting a little Christmas shin-dig for my gal pals at my place this weekend. So, I decided I better try to make the place look a little more festive. I bummed some Christmas dishes from the Maternal Unit set out the Christmas place settings my sister so kindly donated to me during my last visit. Things are finally looking a little more Christmasy. ;)

I just purchased my own Christmas present and the guilt is killing me. Including shipping it is $50...and that's more than I care to spend on myself. But, it's something I've been reallllllly wanting and waiting for. The company (Sephora) was completely sold out of it, and if I really analyze it's a steal of a deal for all that make-up. But, for some reason...I'm still feeling guilty. I'm almost finished with my Christmas shopping..I just have the Maternal Unit left to buy for. She's always the hardest one on the list.

Thursday, December 14, 2006

My BF should be a very happy camper today. I've sent her annual batch of fudge via her pops, who should be arriving in sunny, Florida later this afternoon. "Fudge makes the world go round,"....that's my new saying for the holiday season. I spent the day yesterday passing out my homemade fudge to colleagues and friends. It's really quite amazing how chocolate can bring smiles to people's faceS....aaaaaaah, FUDGE!

I got a piece of good new from Miss Ruby today. Her fiancé is well on his way, and should be walking on American soil by Christmas. I know she's relieved. I am too! It's no fun planning a wedding with out really knowing if the groom will be able to show up. But, God is good all the time and all the time God is good!

In other news, 3 weeks till India time. It sucks that most of my shopping selections consists of sweaters...since tis the season...yet it's sweltering hot in India. The issue of what clothes to bring hangs over me like a black cloud. I've pushed aside the issue to deal with after Christmas. Wish me luck...Is it just me, or is this guy pretty dern cute?? Hmm...I wonder if I could find an Indian version! Could I be so lucky??

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Happy Birthday to my cousin SueeTee. Although she hasn't been a T for several years now, she'll always be SueeTee to me. The most defining thing about Sue is her laugh. I don't think there's anyone else in the world who has Sue's gasping-for-air/hyena laugh. It's quite contagious. I often compare her to Kimmie Gibler from "Full House" and Carolyn Bisette Kennedy. I know they are two polar opposite personalities, but the combination perfectly depicts who Sue is....Grace and sophistication with a splash of goofiness! It's no secret that she is my most favored cousin. CCL has a hard time dealing with this, but she seems to be coping. ;)

Sue, I wish you a very happy birthday. May God's blessing abound in your life this new year. I love you dearly!

Monday, December 11, 2006

Encouraging Word:If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, my Lord would not have listened. Psalm 66:18

I have a few specialties that I make...they are the few foods I know I can make with my eyes closed with very little probablity of going wrong. Last night, I decided to whip up a batch of fudge...I usually get requests for fudge during Christmas time, so I thought I better get started making it in order to get it to everyone in time. But, it turned out a complete disaster. It was more like chocolate caramel instead of fudge, and I had to throw away the entire batch. Of course, I could have eaten the chocolaty goo, instead of letting 3 cups of sugar, 1 ½ sticks of butter, 2 chocolate bars and nuts go to waste...but, my arteries and fat cells begged me not to...and I heeded their pleas.

I am getting a bit stressed about this entire month. There's so much going on and not enough time to get everything done. Sheesh...I thought this was supposed to be a joyous season...not so much!

Pictures of my pwecious baby boys....Landon dropped by for a visit to check on me since I've been a bit under the weather...and I helped Micah put up his first Christmas tree last night...

Micahji chillin as we put up the tree

Landon charming us girls...(too bad his Daddy doesn't have these skills!)

Friday, December 08, 2006

Encouraging Word:Light shines on the godly, and joy on those whose hearts are right. Psalm 97:11

Ahhh...the weekend is on the horizon. As usual, I don't have much planned...just a bit of Christmas/India shopping, wedding errands with Miss Ruby, chillin' with SunuA, decorating Micahji's first Christmas tree, and of course...the Company Christmas dinner. =/

I used to look forward to social events at work, but now I'm too gauche to enjoy such things. Gauche is a term I picked up from my last visit to Florida. It's the word Matty used to describe me and himself. It means to lack social experience of grace. I used to be gauche in Indian social settings, but now I'm finding myself being universally gauche.

Well, I appreciate all the input I received on attire for India. I think I'll stick with cotton salwars for Kerala and something a bit more stylish for Bombay...which means, the girls and I will have to hit the mall before I leave. Starting Monday, I will be at the gym every day running my life away. Of course, I said this last Monday, but then ended up getting sick...so hopefully this coming week will be kinder to me.

Thursday, December 07, 2006

Encouraging Word:Jesus replied, "You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. Matthew 22:37

Well, I'm currently looking over Miss Ruby's wedding program and getting all excited. The planning of this wedding has had me on an emotional roller coaster. I can only imagine how much more so the bride has felt. But, it looks like it's smooth sailing from here on out. We work on some final finishing touches this weekend. I'm so excited, yet flustered...I haven't a THING to wear! If only I could walk in a sari with out undressing myself in the process.

As usual, I was listening to Joey and Heather on the way to work today. Some times they talk about the most inane things that crack me up! Today the subject was "crutch words." What's that, you ask? A crutch word is something you say all the time...as if it's some sort of crutch...but you don't notice that you say it. Sometimes it can even be a phrase. For instance, Heather said her crutch is "real quick." She often finds herself saying things like, "I'm gonna go to the store real quick." or "Let me watch this show real quick" or "I'm gonna eat lunch real quick."

Of course, this made me think about my own crutch words. The thing about crutch words is that you don't even really recognize them on yourself. For instance, my co-workers have told me that I say "actually" a lot. Actually, I never noticed saying it too much....Until I heard my 4 year old nephew saying it. Then I realized that maybe he got it from me.

I remember a girl in high school used to always say "thats and then." She said it together...just like that. For instance, she'd say something like, "I went to Target...thats and then...there was cute red shirt...thats and then...it was on sale for 10$." My friendship with her didn't last too long because I found conversations to be thats and then annoying.

Another person who had the crutch problem was this lady I used to work with. She used the crutch word almost to the point that I thought it was some form of Turrent's Syndrome. Her crutch was "whadda" as in "what a"...She would say things like..."the stapler whadda needs whadda staples whadda in whadda it whadda. Do you whadda know whadda they whadda are whadda?" I kid you not. Imagine having a conversation like that! Thankfully she has retired.

My brother...has a really annoying crutch. He always say "hey guy" when he's speaking to males....even males who are perfect strangers. I have told him that it makes him sound a little questionable in regards to his sexuality. But, it's a crutch he can't seem to shake. The Black Boo...aka Sheryl...has a weird crutch where she says things twice. If I'm talking to her on the phone and someone's on her other line, she'll say "Hold on, hold on." or if she's hanging up she'll say "Bye....Bye"..not "ByeBye" but "Bye *hard pause* Bye." Nothing drives me more nuts! I mean seriously...I heard her the first time! My sister...who will probably kill me for writing this...has a few annoying ones too. First, she uses the word "freaking" entirely way too much. Secondly, she uses too many pronouns. We may have a conversation about Bob down the street. Then, an hour later, after we've discussed sixteen other things and people, she'll say some random comment like..."he has a nice lawn." Who the hell is he? Matty has a crutch too...he says "So what else, Susan?" all the time. Either I'm incredibly boring...and not much of a conversationalist...or he needs new crutch words. I'm sure there are a zillion people with a zillion more crutches that I could think of...but for now, that's all I've got. What's your crutch?

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

Encouraging Word:Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the LORD. Psalm 119:1

Day 3...we're almost there. Although, this weekend is our work Christmas party. I seem to dread this every year. I'm not sure why because I always end up having a pretty good time. But, I guess it's just the weekend is supposed to be a time that you are completely disassociated with all things relating to work. Or maybe I'm just a party pooper.

Last night SunuA and I caught the tail end of the Victoria Secret Fashion Show. All I can say is that Justin Timberlake is as smooth as butter. His dancing is so fluid. I could watch him dance all day long, but I don't think Cameron would appreciate that. ;) Not to mention the models....I wonder if they all happen to have the exact same kind of gorgeous, full, hair or if there were some definite extensions involved. If so, I need to buy me some of those.

In other news...I haven't been able to shake my cough or dripping nose yet....although the people who shared it with me seem to be recovering quite nicely!!! I sound like a man. I'm sure that's quite attractive...but thankfully the person I spend most of my time talking to doesn't complain. ;)

I have exactly 5 weeks before my trip to India and I haven't a thing to wear. According to my friends who recently gone, India's quite progressive and things like jeans and tees are totally acceptable. However, I'm going with my un-progressive maternal unit, who believes I've got to be long skirts to my ankle 24/7. This is my dilemma. According to my BF, I am to look cute at all times, which means make up on, hair fixed, no pony tails, and appropriate attire. She may look sweet, but she's a total Nazi when it comes to MY appearance. Note the word "my"...she's can break the hair/make-up rule and commit fashion fauxpaus with no penalties, but the minute I do...she yells at me. =( As her brother-in-law often says, Sonia is a pro at finding a nice way to be rude...Anyway, all this to say...It looks like I need to do some serious shopping.

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

It's a pain when you're cooking something in a time crunch and suddenly your dog HAS to go to the bathroom and you have to turn the stove off in fear that she'll take her sweet time to go and your apt. will be on fire.

When you just got your car nice and toasty and you start to wonder if your iron was turned off, and you can't just call someone and ask them to check.

You have to pre-plan your dinner because no one can put the meat out to defrost before you get home.

On blistery cold days, no one wants to come over or go out...so your stuck at home alone.

Monday, December 04, 2006

Ecncouraging word:I say to myself, "The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!" Lamentations 3:24

My motto for life is..."if it's not one thing, it's another, but it's always something." Mousse and I are both sick. I'm not sure what's going on with Mousse, she's infested with red bumps all over the top of her body. I'm not sure if this is an allergic reaction, tics, fleas, if someone beat her with spikes while she was in the kennel, or if she has skin cancer. Of course, the last two are unlikely, but I'm concerned and my mind starts to conjure up crazy things. Tonight I have to take her to the vet and cross my fingers that this won't lead to various tests that drain my checking account.

Now, on to my illness. I'm quite sure that I contracted this nasty cold from SunuA and her mother who were walking around with dripping noses all weekend. Now, it's me who has got a box of Kleenex in close proximity and is hacking every few seconds. I haven't been sick in such a long time. I guess it was bound to happen. But, I think the only thing that is going to ease my pain in this time of need is 100%, unadulterated SYMPATHY. So, click on the comment box below and sympathize with a sista. =/

Other than being sick, the weekend was quite uneventful. I spent most of fielding the maternal units phone calls. I definitely think I talk to her now more than I did when I lived in her house. Some theorize that she misses me. I think they're right because she actually asks me to come over because she's bored and when she comes over to visit me she's extraspecially nice to Mousse. Well, I feel something working it's way UP my throat...something tells me it's my breakfast!!!!!!!! Pray for me, rat racers!

Friday, December 01, 2006

Encouraging word:The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Psalm 37:23

I'm back, rat racers. Please pardon me for my lack of a post yesterday. (my sincerest apologies to my most demanding reader in NYC) The weather outside was frightful yesterday, and I got a call from Billy in the wee hours of the morning demanding that I not "slide" into work with my bald tires yesterday. I was more than eager to heed his warning...especially since 9 out of 10 AFA employees did not brave the sleet and snow yesterday. The company ended up closing at 2 pm anyways...so it's not like I missed much.

I spent much of the day yesterday in and out of sleep. It was nice to just spend the entire day with Moussey watching talk shows and cheesy soap operas. I love days like that...they're definitely few and far between.

i actually managed to stay awake for an entire episode of Oprah yesterday. The show was about celebrity women who overcame obstacles in their lives. One woman was discussing how she drove herself to a panic attack because she had spent her entire life trying to achieve perfection and keep up with everyone around her. That confession really hit home for me. Oddly enough, I find myself not truly enjoying something that I've wanted all my life because I'm worrying about what comes next or how far behind I am in comparison to everyone else I know. I wish i could just shake the need to be "like everyone else"...I guess this is just a daily process that I have to consistently remind myself of. I shouldn't look at what others have or what they're doing with their lives...I should just trust that God is leading me along MY road of life...and all His plans unfold according to His perfect time and will. So, today...I choose to be happy with what I've been blessed with and not worry about tomorrow...because ultimately, I know it will all be okay...because it always has been.

Today commences the planning of my India trip. I will be heading off to the motherland for a glorious three weeks in January. After my last trip to India, i vowed I'd never return until after I was safely married. But, I guess what I've been learning is that I should never say never. ;)